Dr. Richard Philip Puckett, formerly of Marion
BLOOMINGTON - Dr. Richard Philip Puckett, 74, of Bloomington and formerly of Marion, died Monday, Dec. 10, 2018 at his home.
His funeral will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018 at Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal, with Monsignor Eric S. Powell officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday at Oak Hill Cemetery, Taylorville. The visitation was held at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Epiphany Catholic Church, 1000 E. College Ave., Normal, IL 61761. To express condolences online, visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
Dr. Puckett was born on May 16, 1944 in Taylorville, son of Dr. Francis Leo "Doc" Puckett and Alice Leota "Dolly" Rand Puckett. He lived with his parents in Stonington, where he was baptized in Holy Trinity Catholic Church; the church of his First Holy Communion. At age 13, he moved with his family to Marion for his father to take a position at the Veteran's Hospital.
Rick, or Ricky as his parents and siblings fondly called him, graduated from Marion High School and went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in Arts & Science. He continued his education at the University of Illinois Chicago, graduating in 1970 with a degree as a Doctor of Medicine.
He did his residency at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Shreveport, LA as a medical doctor and was honorably discharged in 1974. He then went on to specialize in Radiology at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Puckett worked his entire career with Bloomington Radiology, Bloomington, retiring in 2007.
He enjoyed his medical career, but most especially the friendships he formed with his colleagues and all those he worked with in the office and hospitals. They nurtured and tolerated his sense of humor. He enjoyed art, especially of the up and coming artists like those found on the boardwalks in downtown New Orleans, and of his dear friend, Jennifer Benjamin, who painted the dining nook of his kitchen and several works of art for him.
He liked dabbling in photography, especially taking pictures of his family members. He liked fishing, watching Illini football games and his favorite shows "Zorro" and "The Lone Ranger."
He liked gardening and designing and decorating his home with the help and friendship of Sam Hitchins, who lovingly took care of his home and gardens for 28 years. He loved being an uncle to his 16 nieces and nephews, who can attest that he was the greatest Uncle Ricky ever!
He loved his Catholic faith and lived a life of daily prayer.
Dr. Puckett was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Timothy; sisters, Anne Swigert and Mary Hancock; brothers-in-law, Lyle Swigert and Leslie Hancock; sister-in-law, Alice McDonald Puckett and nephew, David Puckett.
He is survived by his brother, William Puckett, of Colorado, and 15 nieces and nephews.